I only worked with Mark for a couple of weeks, but he was as open, sincere and unaffected a person as I've ever encountered. He was completely unguarded and enthusiastic about the things he loved, and he gave the musicians he worked with freedom to be creative and excel. Prior to seeing him at work I'd never given his music much thought, but during those sessions he impressed me tremendously and I was really looking forward to seeing him again and finishing the record.

I have no idea what brought Mark to this decision, and I'm sure there's nothing I can say that will enlighten anybody about his death. I just wanted to say I thought he was a good dude and his art was genuine. I don't think there's a lot more you can ever ask of anybody.

Mark lived about 40 minutes from me and we had some of the same acquaintances.All the same, we never met.I knew him solely through his music.

I can't say I'm surprised, but I am exceptionally bummed at this.He was a very troubled but true soul. I think that showed through in every aspect of his art and how he lived his life.

I tried, fruitlessly I might add, to explain to my girlfriend why this was so sad and failed miserably.

He meant a lot to certain people and the world is a little shittier with his passing.It sucks. But he did leave a fantastic body of work that will stand the test of time. He left the world a better place than it was when he came in, and that's something that is definitely worthwhile.

My philosophical attitude is as follows: death is beautiful, it's something we all share as humans, and since heaven and hell are mythical and that death is probably similar to deep sleep, we should admire those who have arrived at that permanent status.....the best way you can digest the loss of a person you truly love, admire, like, noticed is to celebrate the things they did in life, to rue the things you will not share with them any longer, and to value your own temporary and singular life to the best you can yourself.

oh man. it's a wonderful life is without question one of my favorite records.. totally came to me as a surprise, as a friend of mine bought it, listened to it, and said 'i think this records way more you than me-- you should have it'. sure 'nuf, i gave it a listen, and it's been somewhere close at hand since. hard to believe that was 10 years ago.

something essential and human in those songs, and still funny, goofy, childish, and tragic. guess that's what MAKES them human. truly sad to hear about this.